Monday, 30 July 2012

Swedish fashion label Dagmar launched around the same time as Grazia in 2005 and I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since. Founded by sisters Kristina Tjäder, Karin Söderlind and Sofia Wallenstam, Dagmar utilises their different talents brilliantly: Kristina is head of design, whilst Karin operates as a brand manager and PR-consultant, and Sofia, a textile economist, is Dagmar’s head of sales, making them an enviable family dream team!

I love House of Dagmar's use of original prints and unusual colour palettes and admire how their collections are fine-tuned to the right mix of what women really want/have in their wardrobes, think- sleek tailoring, glamorous dresses, chic knitwear and cool separates, including their super sexy, signature zip detail jeans. This brilliant variety is what Dagmar fans have come to expect from the young brand, and they always deliver.

Here are some of my favourites from the Dagmar spring/summer '12 collection...

Sunday, 29 July 2012

When Grazia Style Director, Paula Reed, threw a birthday party in Notting Hill last week it was sure to be a glamourous evening, and as the sun set on the restaurant’s amazing terrace, a wonderful evening of delicious food, live music and far too much to drink was had by all. I snapped a handful of the Grazia fashion team before we set off, here’s what we wore...

Friday, 27 July 2012

The London Olympics are finally here! And with the official opening ceremony kicking off today I thought I’d embrace all things red, white and blue. Inspired by these fab zig-zag print, vegan shoes by Beyond Skin- who’ve been creating stylish, cruelty free footwear since 2001. I love their latest line of printed ‘Archie’ courts, complete with sexy almond toe and retro block heel.

The ‘Archie’ last looks fab with full skirts and dresses, but here I’ve teamed them with my favourite, gently ripped, Gap white jeans and a gorgeous pale blue shirt by The Kooples which I picked up in their summer sale. To finish this patriotic ensemble is my new favourite clutch- a chic red pouch by Russell & Bromley. So that’s the outfit sorted… now let the games begin!

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

There’s something about the summertime that makes me pile on my jewellery in a celebratory fashion. Maybe it harps back to collecting, and making friendship bracelets on childhood holidays or perhaps it’s just because warmer weather means there’s more bare flesh to decorate!

My summer wristwear falls into two camps: the metallic family, a mash-up of gold and silver, with the odd flash of blue or green thrown in. And the other is a complete colour-fest, a rainbow of beads and multicolour threads centred around an attention grabbing watch… Piled high, as seen here, or with just two to three pieces worn at once; I call upon on my decorated wrists to add interest to even the simplest of outfits.

Monday, 23 July 2012

Friends, and fashion PR extraordinaires, Lian Hirst and Rob Davies of TRACE Publicity and their brilliant team, hosted an amazing three-day extravaganza at the last weekend’s Secret Garden Party, and despite the insane amount of mud we had the best of times!

We arrived on Friday afternoon after a pub lunch pit stop, where we were greeted by barrow boys, who helped us lug some serious fashion party baggage (insane goodie bags included) to the gorgeous tipis where we stayed for the weekend, and so the fun began…

Highlights of the trip include: visiting the Secret Emporium and meeting lots of unique designers selling their wears, a delicious three course meal at the Soul Fire restaurant (yes you really can have white table-cloth dining even in a muddy field!) Dancing the night away at the Temple of Boom, plus Saturday night’s amazing firework display, which was the best I’ve ever seen!

And as every self-respecting festivalgoer will tell you: just because you’re in a field doesn’t mean you can let your style slip, here’s what I wore in the mud pit...

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda have been around since the '80s, but it wasn't until spring/summer '10, when they launched their womenswear line Maison Scotch that I heard about them.

I love their souped-up basics, which to me, despite their Dutch roots, have an air of Parisian cool about them. You can count on Maison Scotch to deliver a gorgeous trophy jacket (the one above, from the spring/summer '12 collection, has an irresistible Isabel Marant quality to it, at a fraction of the price!) Breton tops, fab shirts- from Western to denim styles, as well as fun, tailored denim, in seasonal colours and prints.

Bohemian rock chick is how I'd describe Maison Scotch right now, for spring/summer '12 that means pieces like the tie-dye shorts (below) and for next season; a mix of homespun knitwear, leather-look jeans, with a sprinkling of sequins. Needless to say I love the lot!

In just six seasons Maison Scotch have carved out a strong identity and place in the ever-growing mid-market, and personally I can't get enough. Keep up the good work I say...

Monday, 16 July 2012

I knew that when my partner in crime, fellow Grazia Fashion Ed. Sophie Ferguson Jones married her long time love of ten years Charlie Baillie, that it would be a spectacularly stylish affair, but to say their wedding in Mijas, Spain last month surpassed my expectations is an understatement!
Set in the stunning mountains of southern Spain, Charlie and Sophie married at the Mijas cathedral at 4.30pm, before festivities, which were held at the Ferguson Jones’ idillic family house, carried on until the wee hours...
The bride wore a breathtaking Rosa Clara gown, complete with a delicate lace bodice and gorgeous dramatic bow detail. Sophie’s dress and traditional Spanish veil set the tone for a wedding that could of taken place in ’50s Sicily... in other words it was fabulously God Father! Complementing Sophie perfectly was groom Charlie’s blue suit by The Kooples, which matched all ten of his sleek ushers... the height mafioso marvelousness.
To all her friends, Grazia posse included, Sophie is one of- if not the most stylish person we know, so it was a given that her wedding guests would dress accordingly, and bathed in glorious Spanish sunshine everyone truly stepped-up to the mark.
Sophie and Charlie’s wedding was the most magical day; and as luck would have it, fashion photographer Phill Taylor was also in attendance, his camera in tow... Here’s a peak at the very special day through his lens, with HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. & Mrs. B!

The beautiful order of service and my Spanish fan- the ushers handed out to all the women.

Dashing groom in anticipation: Charlie Baillie awaits his bride.

I can honestly say I've never seen anyone look so beautiful: Sophie walks down the aisle on her father's arm.

Sophie's beautiful veil and train in all their glory.

As man and wife!!

Sophie's sister Sarah and niece Ava May were both bridesmaids.

Wearing a custom-made dress, Sophie's best friend Cherrene Jarade was also a bridesmaid.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

Stylist turned swimwear designer, Ursula Lake, started her own label in 2009 after failing to find a well priced, properly fitting bikini that didn't cost the earth, and but three years on, her brand Violet Lake has a been embraced by everyone; from uber stockists, Net-a-porter.com and Selfridges, to Hollywood royalty Gwyneth Paltrow- who I was both chuffed and horrified (in equal measure) to see had snapped-up the same Violet Lake strapless bikini as me, needless to say our abs don't compare and she's a far better model for Ursula's swimwear than I!

Besides the superb fit, (and trust me whatever your shape- there really is something for everyone) fabulous quality, it’s Violet Lake’s gorgeous styles and colours that keep me coming back for more! And with the bikini tops and bottoms all sold separately, you can have lost of fun creating unique combinations- aided by the genius online 'Bikini Mixer' - something you have to try!

Since Violet Lake came on the swimwear scene I've embraced bikini shopping wholeheartedly, and never looked forward to wearing one more!

So without further ado, here are a few of my favourites from the current Violet Lake collection:

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Queen of luxury bespoke, Brit accessories designer Anya Hindmarch is known for her incredible attention to detail and fabulous personalisation services. From diaries and small leather goods, to handbags and keepsake boxes, much of Anya's collections can be given the bespoke treatment, adding a personal dimension to her gorgeous designs.

Enter this sparkling Anya Hindmarch evening bag, the Marano glitter clutch; a gold framed, Art Deco inspired design, and highly desirable evening bag as is. But in true Anya style, the rectangular clasp serves as an ideal blank canvas for your own personal message! You can choose a maximum of nine characters (including spaces, per side) to be elegantly engraved in capital letters onto the clutch- elevating it to heirloom status.

I was thrilled to have my name spelt out on my very own gold glitter bag, but the Engraved Marano clutch is also brilliant for marking a special date- my friend Anna who bought the black glitter version for her wedding day, engraved hers with the date of her big day!

About Me

Former Fashion Editor of Grazia UK, where I worked on the magazine from its launch in 2005 to May 2013, I am now ASOS.com's International & Campaign Content Editor.
NIETO NOTICED is a space for me to share my fashion finds, trends I’m loving and things that have caught my beady little eyes, because you can take the girl out the magazine... but you can't take the magazine out the girl. Enjoy!